Utah Jazz forward John Collins is one of few players who will be suiting up for a new team for the first time in their career next season. A constant mention in trade rumors before the Atlanta Hawks ultimately decided to send him to the Jazz, Collins will now try to get his career back on track with a young Western Conference squad that's already demonstrated playoff potential.

During his introductory press conference, Collins spoke to reporters about being traded from the Hawks, saying that it was ā€œa big stress reliefā€ (per Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune). ā€œObviously, you know, my name has been in a lot of rumors and whatnot, and it hasnā€™t been easy. So itā€™s just been good to finally get it over with and, obviously, start anew in Utah.ā€

ā€œIā€™m really not trying to think about it too much,ā€ Collins admits, ā€œand just go for it and try to be the best player I can.ā€

Collins seemed to be on the verge of All-Star status just a couple of seasons ago, averaging 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in 2019-20. However, a suspension for PED usage was followed by successive demotions in usage, culminating in a 2022-23 season that was the worst of his career.

Candid, Collins says that he understands the criticism he's received in terms of ā€œpeople being used to me playing one way and then obviously not playing up to the standards that are expected.ā€

ā€œI look at myself and Iā€™m my own biggest critic, as well, so itā€™s definitely on me to just get back into the gym and really just tighten my game up.ā€